Canada’s Porter Airlines and Viasat have announced that Viasat’s in-flight connectivity and wireless In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems will be factory-installed on an additional 20 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on order.
The first of these new aircraft is scheduled to begin service next year. Porter placed an initial order with Viasat to outfit 30 E195-E2 aircraft. The majority of these are installed and operating today.
The connectivity solution is powered by Viasat’s Ka-band satellite technology for efficient use of bandwidth. These allow Porter passengers to be connectedaboard its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Onboard, passengers are able to stream video or music, browse websites, and use email or apps — all on their own personal electronic devices. The in-flight Wi-Fi also enables access to a wide array of free streaming entertainment, including movies and popular TV series.
Additionally, Porter Airlines’ in-flight Wi-Fi service is available gate-to-gate.
The move comes with Porter’s continued expansion of its network, as it finds new destinations for the E195-E2 fleet to be deployed on
In Quotes
Kevin Jackson, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Porter Airlines said:
“It’s clear that our passengers value the high-speed and high-quality Wi-Fi on our E195-E2 fleet, which allows them to stay entertained or connected to work while in the air,”
“Our commitment to make the Wi-Fi fast and free has helped build on our award-winning approach to hospitality as we continue to expand across North America.”
Don Buchman, VP and GM of Commercial Aviation of Viasat adds:
“It has been exciting for the team at Viasat to be a part of Porter Airlines’ continued growth and its distinct onboard passenger experience with free Wi-Fi,”
“As Porter Airlines brings on additional new E195-E2 aircraft to its existing fleet, and expands its route network, we look forward to supporting its vision for best-in-class in-flight entertainment and connectivity.”
Growing connectivity for passengers
Having. a high-quality connectivity solution is becoming more important as passengers (as your author can attest over the past day or so), with them needing to be connected to resources to do their job – or even to keep a level of sanity on a flight.
With demands for bandwidth only increasing, as well as the growth of the Porter network, it’s going to be a compelling offering for travellers.
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